A study from the Texas Policy Evaluation Project took a look at how things have changed since Texas passed HB 2, the hotly contested abortion bill, in 2013. See the the details of the study in the following slides. less

A study from the Texas Policy Evaluation Project took a look at how things have changed since Texas passed HB 2, the hotly contested abortion bill, in 2013. See the the details of the study in the following ... more

Photo: Billy Smith II, ASSOCIATED PRESS

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Fewer abortions

There were 4,615 fewer abortions between November 2012 and April 2013 than there were from November 2012 to April 2013. Abortions using a pill, which were restricted by House Bill 2, dropped 70 percent, according to the study.

The study says in May 2013, there were 41 facilities providing abortion in Texas. By July 2014, there are only 20 open facilities that provide abortions.

Decline in abortion facilities

The study says in May 2013, there were 41 facilities providing abortion in Texas. By July 2014, there are only 20 open facilities that provide abortions.

Photo: Jay Janner, Austin American-Statesman

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Cause of closures

The study points out that the majority of the clinics closed because of the difficulty in obtaining hospital admitting privileges for physicians.

Cause of closures

The study points out that the majority of the clinics closed because of the difficulty in obtaining hospital admitting privileges for physicians.

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, Staff

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Who was most affected?

HB 2 has done a number on smaller cities. All clinics have shuttered in the Lower Rio Grande Valley while only one remains in West Texas.

Who was most affected?

HB 2 has done a number on smaller cities. All clinics have shuttered in the Lower Rio Grande Valley while only one remains in West Texas.

Photo: Bob Owen, San Antonio Express-News

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Foreseeable future

The final provision of HB 2, the
requirement for all facilities to meet the standards of ambulatory
surgical centers, will go into effect in September. The study predicts
only six or seven abortion clinics will remain open as a result.

With more clinics going under, women will have to travel farther for abortion care.

Distance grows

With more clinics going under, women will have to travel farther for abortion care.

Photo: NYT

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Distance grows

The number of women living more than 50 miles away from a clinic increased to 1,680,000. By September, it is expected to grow to 1,960,000.

Distance grows

The number of women living more than 50 miles away from a clinic increased to 1,680,000. By September, it is expected to grow to 1,960,000.

Photo: JENNIFER WHITNEY, New York Times

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Distance grows

The number of women living more than 100 miles from an abortion clinic has increased to 1,020,000. By September, this will go to 1,335,000.

Distance grows

The number of women living more than 100 miles from an abortion clinic has increased to 1,020,000. By September, this will go to 1,335,000.

Photo: Rex C. Curry, Associated Press

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Distance grows

The number of women living more than 200 miles from an abortion clinic has risen to 290,000. By September, it's expected to increase to 752,000.

Distance grows

The number of women living more than 200 miles from an abortion clinic has risen to 290,000. By September, it's expected to increase to 752,000.

Photo: BRANDON THIBODEAUX, New York Times

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Ill-equipped

In 2012, 21 percent of all abortions were performed in ambulatory surgical centers. The study indicates this number has largely remained the same and further notes that existing facilities will probably not be able to meet the demand for abortion care in Texas.

For those living outside a major
city, the study predicts these people will face higher costs and
logistical challenges as they travel farther for abortion care.

Higher costs, challenges

For those living outside a major city, the study predicts these people will face higher costs and logistical challenges as they travel farther for abortion care.

Photo: Lisa Krantz, San Antonio Express-News

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Abbott appeals abortion ruling

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AUSTIN -- Attorney General Greg Abbott late Sunday filed an emergency motion to the U.S. Court of Appeals to ask for permission to enforce a key piece of Texas's tough new abortion law as the legal battle over it continues.

The motion, which was expected, follows a ruling by a federal district judge here Friday afternoon declaring unconstitutional the provision, which requires abortion facilities to comply with the standards of ambulatory surgical centers.

U.S. District Judge Lee Yeakel's ruling blocked the state from enforcing the provision, which was set to take effect Monday, saving more than a dozen clinics around the state from planned closures.

Abbott criticized Yeakel in his motion to the appellate court, saying the district judge "failed even to mention (much less follow) precedent" from the appellate court and U.S. Supreme Court.

He also argued that the state is likely to be able to get Yeakel's decision reversed on appeal.